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Phasing out cheques will impact around 2000 Grey Power members who still rely on cheques as a key payment method.

"They're a generation who have paid their taxes and fought in world wars and now basically are told to get on with it or miss out. Where is the respect," says Michelle Malcolm, manager at Age Concern Whanganui.

"Not everyone has access to a car or mobility scooter so those who are going to be stuck at home with no computer and no natural support what are they supposed to do."

Age Concern may also be affected as the majority of their donation payments made by members are paid by cheque.

Figures show that for one Friday 30 out of 39 payments to the Whanganui branch were made by cheques and in a month around 60 per cent of payments had come in the form of a cheque as it was what members preferred.

"There is no consideration for that generation."

Malcolm hoped Kiwibank would wait another 10 years before phasing out cheques so the next generation of elderly who is already using online banking will understand how to manage their payments better.

Kiwibank have currently set up a Tech Tea where customers can come into the Whanganui branch, have a cup of tea and digital experts will help with online or mobile bank and making electronic payments.

A Stepping UP digital banking workshop has also been created and will be coming to a local library or community centre to give those who need it the skills to be confident banking online.